Overboost, you never fail to cause me undercarriage envy :thumbup:

No kidding! Do you ever actually drive those cars OB? They look like they just came off the showroom floor.

Envy. And shame. :(

Seriously though, and I'm sure I've asked you ob, but what are you using and how are you cleaning those undercarriages?

I am almost ready with fluids and parts. I have:
3 quarts of redline 75W90 for both differentials
1 litre BMW OEM DTF1 p/n 83 222 2 409 710 for transfer case
1 gasket kit by Meyle, filter, gasket and bolts for GM transmission.
I thought I would go with Valvoline Max Life ATF but now I’m debating if I should instead go with FEBI Bilstein, or maybe Liqui Moly? (I’ve also considered going to a GM dealer to see what they have for Dexron 6.) I am planning to replace filter and fluid in the transmission, drive for a bit and do another fluid change. I withdrew a small amount of fluid from the transmission and it is dark brown but it doesn’t smell burned. It has 109,000 miles and the transmission has never been serviced - but luckily I have had no issues with it so far, still shifts well so all of this is preventive maintenance.
BTW my X5 is a 2005 July production model.
As per adaptation of transfer case I knew about it but haven’t yet figured out how I will do that. So far I have used an old car soft diagnostic program but it is not bulletproof.
I saw pics of your E46 and it reminds me of my 2002 330ic with 5 speed and factory M package that I sold 2 years ago but that’s another story.
I appreciate your input and if you or anyone else has any more comments or helpful hints that would be great. All of my BMWs current and past were manuals except for my 95 E34 which is a GM automatic and which I serviced many years ago.
Thanks.

They could be a lot cleaner but they are daily drivers and both are higher mileage cars. (191,000 on the X and 220,000 on the E46)

I just spend some time under them with Simple Green and brush and some rags.

The first time cleaning depending on any leaks might take some brake cleaner on any hard oil deposits.

The guys over on E46F have been talking about the dry ice method. Looks a lot easier than my hand massaging but I don't have the equipment. Looks promising though.

https://youtu.be/rYtQQBYdMQo

Redline 75W90 is a great choice for your diffs. The DTF1 is TF 0870 so you have that correct for the transfer case. I used Valvoline Life Max Dexron 6 in my transmission with no complaints. The original fluid in the GM transmissions was brown fluid so don't worry there.

I used a Foxwell NT-510 to reset my TC clutch adaptations but I believe DIS will also do the job. Unfortunately, INPA and PA Soft 1.4 do not have the ability.

The last tip I could leave you with is to remove any fill plugs BEFORE removing the drain plugs. You want to make sure you have a way to get oil back in once drained. I have heard of horror stories of stuck or frozen fill plugs that round off trying to remove them leaving the job a cluster f***.

I was the Beta tester with QJ for the 7000EXT. I cancelled an order with them because the 5000 I ordered was not long enough to service my fleet. The VP sales reached out and helped me design/create an extended version to service my German and other marques. I just gave away the ramps about 2 weeks ago to a fellow enthusiast.

While they worked well Ill be honest 2 things forced me to move on; they were annoying to store and heavy/challenge to maneuver on anything except concrete. 2nd I needed extra space in garage so I bought a 4 post for work and storage. I also did have a portable mid rise lift for the other bay as well for smaller jobs, have had this for over 10 years. The 4 post has paid for itself for me already just for 1 cars worth of work and I have used it for a bunch of jobs over last 3 years.

Regarding 2 post lifts I seriously considered them but my issue was I wanted extra storage PLUS I was not confident my production built homes garage floor could support the load required.

No doubt I would love to have the ability to work upright under my cars on a proper lift. My house has a room above the garage so my ceiling height is limited.

With my X at full height on my QJ with 6" truck adapters, I less than 1" clearance to the roll up garage door.

For me the QJ gives me the best option in my garage.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/x5-...214_130618.jpg

Snug as a bug! :thumbup:

I too have a room above garage and thought as you about height limitation but putting eyes on your situation yup your path was constrained for sure.